RealGM Wiretap

The Nuggets are using the dribble-drive concepts developed by Vance Walberg in approximately 50 percent of their offense, according to George Karl.

Denver assistant coach John Welsh picked up Walberg's dribble-drive offense when both were coaching in the Fresno area.

"We create our penetration off pick-and-rolls more than he teaches," Karl said. "But the principles hold true both ways. It's just trying to get the ball free to where the defense has to help. And then teaching what happens after that. Everyone has always penetrated the ball, but we teach the reads. ... What I liked about it was, the thing that always frustrated me about American players is they like to play with the ball. Now I allow you to play with the ball, if you attack the defense. I just don't want you to kill grass and stay in the same spot."

The dribble-drive is used by many high school and college programs, most notably Kentucky.

"Coach's big thing with us is he wants 30 layups, 30 free throws, 30 assists, so we want to attack the basket," Welch said of Karl. "We use the concepts of it in NBA schemes. ... It's basically four guys on the perimeter and you try to have multiple penetrations. The first guy is going to attack the rim and, on penetration, the other three guys are moving to spots, depending on where the defense is. If the defense goes one way, you can back door. If the defense helps horizontally, you can move up and come behind."

The offense will also maximize the ability of Danilo Gallinari, who was one of the better passing big men in Europe before coming to the NBA.

"With (Danilo) Gallinari, people are going to realize this year what a great passer he is," Welch said. "He's really underrated as a passer and a playmaker. Everyone knows he can get to the rim and make the 3. So we should be a hard team to guard."